By Aron van Ziel
In the world there are about 44,000 airports. In 2019 about 38 million flights were operated at these airports. These are transport flights, commercial flights and private charter flights. In 2020, the aviation market was hit hard by the corona virus.
If we look specifically at private aviation, we see that private aircraft land at smaller airports more often than bigger aircraft. This is because private jets are smaller than most commercial jets allowing them to land on shorter runways. But which are the most flown private jet destinations in Europe on an average week in 2020? In this blog you will find the top 5 most flown destinations by private jets in Europe.
Geneva
Most European private flights land and depart from Geneva. No less than 35% of the top 5 destinations went to Geneva. Geneva is the second-largest city in Switzerland after Zurich and is located in the French-speaking part of the country. Geneva is a true business city with a large density of companies. There are mainly Pharma-related companies.
Geneva Airport is also conveniently located. This way you can reach the center of the city from the airport in just 15 minutes. A disadvantage of Geneva airport is that it works with mandatory time slots for aircraft. This means you cannot change your departure time at the last minute. The opening hours of the airport differ in summer and wintertime. In summer the airport is open from 04:00 AM to 09:00 PM and in winter from 05:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The private jet terminal has some advantages, there are very low waiting times and 24-hour availability.
Zurich
Geneva is not the only city in Switzerland witch many private flights go to. With about 18% of the top 5 private jet destinations, Zurich is in second place. Besides Geneva, Zurich is also a city with a lot of activity. In an average week, about 8 private flights land and depart from the airport.
Zurich Airport is approximately 15 minutes by car from the city center. This is very beneficial for all business travelers. The opening hours of the airport differ in summer and wintertime. In summer they are open from 03:30 AM to 08:00 PM and in winter from 04:30 AM to 09:00 PM.
Paris le Bourget
With about 13%, Paris le Bourget is the third destination with most private jets. Paris le Bourget is one of the many airports in Paris and can be found in the northeast of the city. It will take you about half an hour to get from the airport to the busy center of Paris. Bourget airport has the disadvantage that it is quite expensive compared to other airports in the area. The airport opens at 5:00 am and closes at 9:00 pm in the winter. In summer they open as early as 4am and close at 8pm.
There is of course much more to experience in Paris than just business. There are plenty of delicious restaurants where you can taste real French cuisine. In addition, there are many attractions with the Eiffel Tower as the highest point.
Vienna
In fourth place is another city that is home to many pharmaceutical companies. Vienna has taken fourth place with 12% when it comes to the most flown private jet destinations. The Austrian capital, located in the northeast of the country, is known for its rich cultural history. You can find numerous palaces and museums.
Vienna Airport is located at just a 20-minute drive from the center. Besides business you can of course also enjoy all the beautiful sights that the city has to offer. You can also enjoy skiing near Vienna. Although the rules regarding skiing have been tightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vienna Airport opening hours are from 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM.
Venice
With both 11%, Venice and London are in the top 5 most flown private jet destinations in fifth place. Venice Airport, called Marco polo, is just a 15-minute drive from the beautiful gondolas that take you through Venice. This way you can view all the beautiful sights of Venice from the water. Marco Polo airport opening hours are from 04:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
Londen Biggin Hill
London Biggin Hill Airport is a bit further away from the center. It takes at least an hour by car to get from the airport to the center of the city. This is also due to the heavy traffic. The opening times of the airport are different. You can find all opening times on the site. Once you are in London, there is plenty to do. But of course, there are also a lot of companies, so, therefore, there are a lot of business trips to Londen. The handling of Londen Biggin Hill is being done by Signature Flight.
Fly Aeolus to one of the private jet destinations
Fly Aeolus flies to all the destinations just mentioned and that is not surprising. Fly Aeolus flies to more than 1600 airports all over Europe! Are you curious about the price of your next air taxi trip? Check out your price to fly an air taxi here!